Seattle's Magnolia Neighborhood News Blog

Mixed snow and rain in the village

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Help welcome the herons home

Heron Habitat Helpers invites the public to join them for their annual meeting where they will celebrate their accomplishments, discuss goals and great blue herons. Afterwards, they will lead a short tour along the edge of the ravine in hopes of seeing the returning herons. Light refreshments will be served.

MLK’s daughter to speak in Seattle

Reverend Bernice King, the daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, will speak on Tuesday in celebration of Black History Month at First Free Methodist Church, adjacent to the Seattle Pacific University campus.

As one of the leading speakers of today, King is author of Hard Questions, Heart Answers. Her book is a collection of her best and inspiring sermons and speeches in which she addresses the pressing problems America faced in the 1990s. In addition, she is founder of “Be A King,” whose mission is to” influence young people to transform the world culture with a kingdom mindset.” In 2009, King was awarded the “Lifetime Achievement Advocate Award” from the Nation Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.

The event is from 9:30 to 10:20 a.m., is free and open to the public. Parking is available in the church parking lot. King will be joined by SPU’s Gospel Choir, Worship Arts Ensemble and Wind Symphony.

Put on your bell bottoms and help raise money for Blaine

Mark your calendar for March 24th when the Magnolia Community Center will be transformed into a ’70’s disco.

Tickets for the Blaine Auction are now available online at http://blaine.maestroweb.com (note: no “www” on that website). This popular auction has sold out the past two years. New this year- two VIP tables for the auction up for bid — one is a “That 70s Show Theme” and one is” Studio 54″. Online Auction Chair Katie Kavulla says this year’s event should be a hit:

We’re excited for this year’s auction and for our fun theme — “That 70s Auction.” We expect that many parents will be decked out in their “flower power” finest, which will make it a great event. Plus, we have some fresh, new live auction items this year and a fantastic new auctioneer, Jack Forman of the kid’s band, Recess Monkey.

Catharine Blaine Auction: March 24th at 5pm at the Magnolia Community Center. Tickets are $65.

Community members are welcome to attend the auction. Click here for more information.

Blaine Vice Principal to leave her post in March

Catharine Blaine Vice Principal, Ms. Destrebecq has resigned. In an email sent earlier today, she writes:

Dear Families and Community Members,

In my career, I have never been anything but an educator, and I have never known a community like Blaine’s. Over the past year and a half, I have learned so much from the students, the staff, and you, as I have embarked on the journey of school leadership. You have been instrumental in my professional development, as a school administrator, and for that I am extremely grateful. And most of all, you have been there for each other. Whenever there is a crisis, or someone in the community is hurting, I know that the Blaine community will band together to help those in need. I would hope that many of you would be my friends, if I weren’t your child’s assistant principal.

Like Ms. Swanson, I am also at a crossroads. After months of contemplation, I feel strongly that now is the opportune time to step back and evaluate my future and my career path. As a result of this introspection, I am saddened to let you know that I am resigning from my position in Seattle Schools and at Catharine Blaine. I have already tendered my resignation, and my last day will be March 9th.

This is a huge and exciting step for me, but much needed. I will be taking off my “principal hat” and working to impact positive change through other means. I will begin my new adventure by working part-time as a consultant at a global non-profit. I am excited about the change and the work that lies ahead, but will continue to remain open to other opportunities that may come my way.

I wish you all the best of luck in your own careers, and with your life-long career as parents.

Much respect,

Theresa

This news comes fast on the heels of Principal Heather Swanson’s recent announcement of her resignation.

In related news, it was announced that Nancy Coogan, Executive Director for the Central region schools, will be holding a Community Meeting to discuss the process for hiring a Principal, Wednesday, 2/29 at 7:00pm in Blaine’s lunchroom. Questions are welcome.

Discovery Park south parking lot closed Tuesday for maintenance

No worries- the park’s main entrance at 36th Ave and Discovery Park Blvd will be open as usual. Seattle Parks and Recreation Communications Manager, Dewey Potter adds:

Park users can park on the north side of W Emerson St. and enter the park through the walk-in gate. Visitors can also park in the north parking lot and the Visitor’s Center parking lot.

Parks and Rec anticipates reopening the south parking lot (located at W Emerson St. on the south side of the park) early Wednesday, February 29th.